The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), expresses profound concern regarding the deteriorating human rights situation in the Republic of South Sudan, particularly amidst ongoing violence and political instability in Upper Nile State and Nasir County.
The Commission has received new numerous reports indicating the eruption of armed violence in South Sudan, the mobilization of armed groups and the escalation of political tension leading to arbitrary detention of the political figure within transitional government. Apart from the from a loss of civilian lives, the ensuing insecurity and the heightening risk of relapse of South Sudan back to conflict, the UN reported that the armed violence involved an attack on a United Nations aircraft which resulted in causality. Official documentation from UNMISS and human rights organizations further corroborates the escalating threats to civilian populations, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
The Commission is deeply concerned about the various violations occasioned by these developments and the threat the persistence of the armed violence and the instability poses to the lives and rights of South Sudanese. The violent acts that led to loss of lives and insecurity may constitute breaches of rights and freedoms guaranteed in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights including the right to life (Article 4), the right to personal liberty and security (article 6), the right to be free from arbitrary detention and due process of the law (Article 7) and the right to peace and security (Article 23).
In view of these alarming developments, the Commission urges the Government of South Sudan and all parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to take the following actions:
Cease fire and De-escalation:
Immediately halt all hostilities in Upper Nile State and recommit to the ceasefire provisions of the R-ARCSS to prevent further loss of life and displacement of civilians.
Inclusive Dialogue and institute dispute resolution mechanism:
Use the various mechanisms under the R-ARCSS and the good offices of the AU Office in South Sudan, the UNMISS, IGAD and R-JEMC for initiate transparent and inclusive dialogue involving political leaders, community representatives and leaders, and civil society in affected communities to address the underlying causes of the conflict. They should also institute credible and trusted dispute resolution mechanism.
Protection of Civilians:
Uphold obligations under the African Charter and international humanitarian law to ensure the safety of civilians including total abstention from directing violence on civilians, with special attention to vulnerable groups such as women, children, and displaced persons affected by the conflict.
Accelerate Transitional Reforms:
Enhance their commitment to and the effective implementation of all outstanding transitional tasks and reform measures envisaged under the R-ARCSS, including the constitutional making process and the establishment and operationalization of transitional justice mechanisms such as the Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing, the Compensation and Reparation Authority, and the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, to advance accountability and national reconciliation.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights reaffirms its unwavering commitment to supporting the Republic of South Sudan in fulfilling its human rights obligations and fostering a society grounded in respect for the rule of law, peace, and unity. The Commission calls upon the international community, including the AU, IGAD and the United Nations, to avail all the necessary support and diplomatic accompaniment necessary for peacebuilding and implementation of R-ARCSS.
Honourable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, PhD
Country Rapporteur on Human Rights Situation in the Republic of South Sudan
Done this 8th day of March 2025
